A lot of pet owners enjoy giving food to their pets. Any dog sipping at the table or cat looking at you at your plate can make anyone want to share a bite. However, not all foods for people are suitable for animals. Certain foods which are considered safe for human consumption can be very dangerous for pets.
Some foods can lead to stomach issues, and some can have a detrimental effect on the kidneys, liver, heart and nervous system. Even a little bit can be harmful in certain instances.
Understanding these human foods aren't safe for pets can prevent your pet from getting sick and keep them out of harm's way.
Chocolate is toxic to pets
Some of the most toxic foods for dogs are dark chocolate and baking chocolate. It has caffeine and theobromine that is indigestible to pets. Chocolate often gets into pets' mouths during festivals, birthdays.
Chocolate poisoning can cause:
Vomiting, Fast heartbeat, Restlessness, Tremors, Seizures
Grapes and Raisins can harm the Kidneys
Grapes and raisins can appear healthy, but can be extremely harmful to dogs. Some pets may have kidney failure even after consuming a few grapes. The reaction is unpredictable, so vets advise staying away from grapes altogether.
Common symptoms are:
Weakness, Vomiting, Loss of appetite, Dehydration, Low energy
Onion and Garlic are Hidden Dangers
Onion and garlic are used in a variety of dishes such as curries, soups, sauces and snack foods. These foods can cause the red blood cells to become damaged and have a detrimental effect slowly on a pet's health. Onion powder and garlic seasoning can be poisonous also.
Pets may show symptoms:
weakness, tiredness, pale gums and breathing issues.
Xylitol is highly toxic in sugar free foods
Even a little bit can be deadly for dogs
Sugar substitutes that contain xylitol include:
To help you get more fiber, add these foods to your diet: Sugar-free gum, Candies, Toothpaste, Peanut butter, Baked foods.
It may cause:
Vomiting, Sudden weakness, Loss of balance, Seizures, Liver failure.
Cooked bones can cause damage to pets
People often feed their dogs cooked bones, but not all of them are safe. Cooked bones may disintegrate into sharp fragments that can end up in the mouth and/or the stomach.
This may lead to:
Obstruction of the airway, internal injury, bleeding or intestinal blockage.
Dairy products have the potential to upset the stomach
Some pets can't digest lactose, which is the sugar found in milk, cheese and ice cream, and may cause them to be upset. Feeding small amounts occasionally may be acceptable but feeding regularly is not advisable.
An excess of milk can lead to:
Gas, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Stomach pain
No Coffee, Tea, or Alcohol
Pets' hearts and nervous systems can be significantly disturbed by coffee, tea, alcohol and energy drinks.
Even low doses can lead to:
Fast heartbeat, Hyperactivity, Tremors, Breathing difficulty , Collapse
Conclusion
Food is an absolute priority for pets, as are their owners' trust and confidence. Snack sharing is a lot of fun, but certain foods can also be harmful to pets without them realizing it.
Knowing what foods are dangerous is one of the ways to keep your pet healthy. With a little awareness now you will help your furry friend live a safer, healthier and happier life.
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